What to bring?
Stroller?
Dam Overlook-no
Horseshoe Bend- yes
Restrooms?
Dam Overlook- no
Horseshoe Bend- yes, trailhead parking lot
Page, Arizona is known for the beautiful Lake Powell, but there is so much more to offer in this area! Glen Canyon Recreational Area is what they refer to the area surrounding lake, dam, and river. We began our morning exploring this area, especially below the dam.
Our first stop was the Dam Overlook. It’s just a 2-3 minute walk out from the parking lot, down to an overlook where you can view the dam…pretty self explanatory from the name! Even though the walk is super short, it is down some pretty rough rock steps and sandstone, which makes a stroller impossible. I’d recommend just carrying the littles or letting them climb. Once you make it down, be sure to keep them close though & away from the drop offs. It is railed, but still makes a momma nervous!
The next stop was Horseshoe Bend, which is a stop you won’t want to miss! There is a $10 fee per vehicle when entering the parking lot, and there are restrooms available. The trail is an easy 1.5 mile down and back that takes 1-1.5 hrs. No shade and direct sun is the only thing that makes it difficult, but there are a few shades benches along the way to rest. Even though it’s not paved, the path is definitely smooth enough for a stroller. We chose to use this instead of the carrier simply because it was the cooler option in some pretty extreme heat. Also, even though the trail is easy enough for a toddler, I’d HIGHLY recommend keeping them strapped in, either in a hiking backpack or stroller, because the drop at the end is crazy…1,000 feet to be exact! They recently put up railing after a child fell to their death, but there are still plenty of spots on the edge and people getting way too close! The view down though is spectacular! The river bends, creating a beautiful horseshoe shape. Because the canyon walls cast shade over the river, we read that the best time to get a picture is mid-morning (when we went) and at sunset.
After our morning at these two overlooks, we grabbed lunch and had a tour set for Antelope Canyon (this will have a post of its own). We unfortunately didn’t get time on Lake Powell, which we would have loved. If you have the time, I’d suggest renting a pontoon, kayaks, or paddle boards. It’s a beautiful lake with huge canyon walls surrounding you, making the most clear and smooth water to swim and explore.
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